Blood in Breast Milk
If you pump and notice that the color of your breast milk is pink, red or brown, or you see some blood when your baby spits up, there is usually no need to worry. Blood in breast milk is rarely a problem. It is frequently the result of cracked and bleeding nipples or rusty pipe syndrome.
A small amount of blood in breast milk does not affect the baby or your milk. It is perfectly safe to continue to breastfeed and the problem should go away on its own within a few days. However, if it doesn't resolve after a week you should check with your doctor.
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Growth Spurts
Babies do not grow at a regular, consistent pace. They tend to have periods of slow growth and then all of sudden they seem to sprout up overnight. These growth spurts can occur at any time, but are more common around 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months of age.
Breastfeeding through a growth spurt can be exhausting. It may feel like your baby is constantly at your breast, but this frequent nursing is important. The more often you breastfeed, the more you will stimulate your body to make more milk for your growing baby. During these times, do your best to get enough rest, drink plenty of fluids and take care of yourself. Hang in there, the good news is that growth spurts do not usually last longer than a day or too, and then your baby should return to more routine breastfeeding schedule.
If your baby still wants to nurse very often after three days, or if at any time you feel like your baby is not getting enough milk, check with your baby's doctor.
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Photo © D Sharon Pruitt / Flickr
Breastfeeding Positions
You can breastfeed your baby in many different positions. You will probably begin by trying the common holds that you have seen or read about. Then, after you become more confident, you will find the positions that are the most comfortable and work the best for you and your baby.
The four most common positions are:
It's also a good idea to alternate positions. Using different holds will allow the baby to more effectively drain the different areas of your breasts. This will help prevent plugged ducts and some of the other common problems of breastfeeding.
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Healthy Snacks
A healthy diet usually consists of three meals a day and a few snacks. Snacking can be a great way to help meet your daily nutritional needs while you are breastfeeding. If you keep some easy to grab, healthy snack foods around the house you will be less likely to reach for junk food.
Here are some good choices to help satisfy a snack attack without sabotaging your healthy breastfeeding diet.
Fresh fruit
Cut up raw veggies
Hard boiled eggs
Yogurt
Cheese
Almonds
Rice cakes with peanut butter
Pop corn
Crackers
Pretzels
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Photo credit Aylanah/Flickr
Why Did You Decide To Breastfeed?
When I had my first baby, I knew I was going to at least try to breastfeed. I thought I was going to do it for nutritional and health reasons, but I soon found out that there was so much more I loved about nursing my baby.
My favorite "pro" of breastfeeding is just being able to sit down, hold the baby in my arms, relax and spend that special one on one time with the baby. I also really like the ease of night feedings and not having to wash bottles.
What is your favorite "pro"? Did you think about the pros and cons of breastfeeding before you made your decision or did you just know you were going to breastfeed?
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Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
Breastfeeding doesn't have to end when your baby turns one, and it doesn't have to end if you get pregnant again either. A new pregnancy is a common reason why moms will wean their babies or even why babies will self-wean. However, if you don't want to wean your baby, talk to your doctor. It is usually okay to breastfeed while you are pregnant as long as you are having a normal, healthy low-risk pregnancy.
You could even continue to breastfeed your older child after the birth of your new baby. Tandem nursing is a great way to provide nutrition, comfort and security to your older child while increasing your milk supply.
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Breastfeeding A Sick Baby
When your baby is sick, keep breastfeeding.
Antibodies found in breast milk can help a baby fight illness and get better faster. Nursing a sick baby provides ideal nutrition and necessary fluids to keep the baby hydrated. Plus, breastfeeding is a great source of comfort to a sick child.
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Alcohol and Breastfeeding
It's almost St. Patrick's Day. Do you usually celebrate with corned beef and Irish beer? If so, you might be wondering if it's okay to have an alcoholic drink while you are breastfeeding.
Alcohol does pass through breast milk, but an occasional beer or glass of wine is not considered harmful. If possible, have your drink immediately after pumping or nursing, and wait two hours after consuming your alcoholic beverage before breastfeeding again. The alcohol should clear your body after approximately two hours. If you have more than one drink, wait two hours per drink before feeding your baby.
While an occasional drink is not harmful, avoid drinking alcohol regularly or in excess. Too much alcohol can affect your baby's growth and development. Alcohol also interferes with your let-down reflex and can cause a decrease in your milk supply.
So be responsible, don't overdo it, enjoy your drink and have a happy St. Patrick's Day!
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The First Breastfeeding
The first breastfeeding experience is different for every mom and every baby. It can be incredible and emotional when a baby breastfeeds easily for the first time and it can be frustrating and disappointing when breastfeeding is difficult.
All three of my children started out differently. My first baby developed newborn jaundice and was very sleepy. She was not at all interested in breastfeeding or any other feeding. It took a few days for her to perk up and begin breastfeeding well. That was certainly not the experience I was expecting.
My second child latched on immediately after he was born and breastfed as if he had done it a thousand times before. He was my most efficient breastfeeder and he still eats great!
My little one was somewhere in between. He wasn't a pro from the very beginning like his older brother, but he definitely took to it much faster and easier than his sister did.
It's great when it all works out perfectly from the beginning, but if your baby doesn't latch on and breastfeed like a champion the first time there is no need to worry. Breastfeeding can be a learning process, and it may just take a little time.
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Are You Drinking Enough Water?
Women are often concerned about their diet while they are breastfeeding, but it's important to think about you fluid intake, too. If you aren't getting enough to drink you can still make enough breast milk, but you might end up dehydrated.
It can be hard for a busy mom to remember to get enough fluids during the day, so try to remember to drink when your baby drinks. Take a bottle of water with you when you go out and keep a drink by your side when you breastfeed at home. If you have a glass of water, milk or juice each time you breastfeed, you will be drinking 8 to 12 glasses a day. That should be enough to keep you hydrated and meet your daily fluid needs.
Photo © claire/Flickr
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